OK, so maybe I was a bit hasty in getting all excited about summer. It has been distinctly cooler, greyer and wetter since I last opened my big mouth - sorry!
As predicted the weather changed dramatically on Friday evening, just so we didn't miss out on the traditional Fete de la Musique downpour. Spirits were not dampened though and despite it being a bit on the soggy side it was still warm enough for everyone to be out dancing in the streets as per usual. It takes more than a couple (OK, a lot) of raindrops to stop a party this big!
Not everyone is disappointed by the dipping temperatures though, check out these guys who've been doing some late season riding on the Aiguille de la Berangere in the Mont Blanc range.
The cooler weather is also a welcome relief for all those taking part in the weekend of races starting on Friday. The Marathon du Mont Blanc has added a new course this year with an 80km mountain challenge that sets off at 4am on Friday morning, see here for route and details. Frankly, I think anyone who gets up at that time derserves a medal regardless of whether you run a ridiculously long way or not. It starts and ends in Chamonix centre with a limit of 24 hours, so there'll be plenty of runners passing through on Friday afternoon/evening if you want to turn up and cheer them over the finish line.
The other races will take place at the same time as in previous years:
Vertical KM : Friday 4pm, starting in front of the tourist office and finishing at Plan Praz
Cross du Mont Blanc (half marathon) : Saturday 8:30am, starting in the parapente field and finishing at Plan Praz
10km : Saturday 9am, starting and finishing in the parapente field
Mini Cross (childrens' race) : Saturday 11am, starting and finishing in the parapente field
Marathon du Mont Blanc : Sunday 7am, starting in front of the tourist office and finishing at Plan Praz
All competitors can collect their race numbers from 2pm on Thursday at the ENSA gymnasion, just past the centre of town (opposite the MBC bar).
There'll be a great atmosphere and lots of other entertainments going on for all of the races, so get yourself along and cheer as loud as you can! If you have friends running, you can follow their progress online here. The Brevent, Flegere, Vallorcine and Le Tour lifts will all be open if you want to get up into the mountains and do some hiking while you watch the runners go past, see here for lift information.
If your idea of exercise is a little less extreme then maybe jive might be more your bag? The lovely Sheona is now running jive dance classes every Thursday evening at Les Caves on Rue des Moulins. Beginners are welcome and you don't even need to bring a dance partner, just turn up to the bar at 8:30pm and get involved. Fun, friendly environment and you can even have a few drinks to help you loosen up - now that's my kind of workout...
Alternatively, you could just let everyone else exert themselves while you treat yourself to a slap-up dinner at Le Vert Hotel. This weekend they will be offering a 6 course tasting feast, prepared by none other than the acclaimed Bib Gourmand winning, Bristol based Chef Nathan Muir(Terence Conran's Bibendum, Robin's Hood Retreat, Head Chef 102 Cookery School). Nathan has fully recovered from breaking his arm on Brévent in January and wants the chance to cook his way back into Chamonix's heart! For just 35€ per person you'll enjoy a welcoming drink and finishing shot, interspersed with 6 delicious dishes. The event will take place on Friday 28th followed by live music from "Us2" featuring Neil on guitar and Mollie on vocals and on Saturday 29th with a chilled house vibe provided by DJ Joe Volpeliere. Restaurant numbers for each night are strictly limited so please make your reservation by calling Le Vert reception on +33 (0)450 53 13 58.
And to finish the weekend off, all those long boarders out there are invited to join a group ride on Sunday along the winding stretch of road that leads out of Chamonix towards Geneva (and is currently closed to traffic). The group will be meeting at the Chamonix Sud bus stop at 10am and sharing lifts to the start point, all welcome even if you just want to watch!
Good luck to anyone taking part in any of the races this weekend, fingers crossed for cool weather and no rain!
